By Samson Adeyanju

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has called for deeper strategic collaboration with the United Nations to tackle the state’s humanitarian, agricultural and climate challenges, stressing that his administration remains committed to building long-term resilience.

Speaking Friday at Government House, Makurdi, during the visit of the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, the governor said Benue’s development trajectory depends on global partnerships that integrate food security, climate resilience and human dignity.

Alia emphasised that the state is not seeking charity but sustainable collaboration capable of delivering lasting transformation.

“What we seek is not charity, but collaboration. Not isolated projects, but integrated systems. Not temporary relief, but lasting transformation,” he said.

Describing Benue as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” the governor noted that despite its strategic role in national and regional food systems, the state continues to grapple with farmer-herder conflicts, climate-related vulnerabilities and a humanitarian crisis involving over 500,000 internally displaced persons.

He explained that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has pursued an integrated development agenda aimed at rebuilding institutions, restoring dignity and unlocking economic opportunities.

“We are not waiting for change, but building structures that enable change,” Alia added.

Highlighting key achievements, the governor disclosed that over 375 public schools have been rehabilitated, with 9,700 teachers recruited at the basic education level, alongside the introduction of free education policies and establishment of new technical institutions.

In the health sector, he cited the rehabilitation of 104 rural health centres, revitalisation of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and expansion of maternal and child healthcare services.

On infrastructure, Alia said ongoing road and transport projects are connecting rural and urban economies, while more than 10,000 youths have been trained in digital skills through ICT empowerment programmes.

He reiterated that humanitarian response remains a core priority, particularly in conflict-affected communities, noting that interventions such as shelter provision, farmland allocation and livelihood restoration are designed to transition displaced persons to stable living conditions.

“These are not just interventions; they are pathways from displacement to dignity,” he said.

The governor also sought UN collaboration in key areas including climate resilience and restoration of River Benue, agro-industrial mechanisation, human capital development, community stabilisation and the establishment of a Benue SDG Transition and Resilience Financing Facility.

Reaffirming his administration’s vision, Alia said the state is ready to serve as a model of sub-national transformation.

“Benue is ready to lead, to partner and to deliver results that matter, not just for the Benue people, but as a model for Nigeria and the global community,” he stated.

By Samson Adeyanju

The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians during a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as unacceptable and a grim reminder of the country’s worsening security situation.

In a press statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association decried the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North, where armed men reportedly stormed a civilian community and opened fire on defenceless residents.

CAN lamented that what should have been a sacred day of peace and reflection turned into a moment of bloodshed, as men, women and children were killed in cold blood, leaving families shattered and the community traumatised.

The apex Christian body expressed deep concern over reports that the attackers wore uniforms resembling those of Nigerian security forces, warning that such tactics could erode public trust in the military and other security institutions.

“This development is particularly alarming and must be thoroughly investigated,” the statement noted, stressing that security agencies must not only respond to attacks but also take proactive steps to prevent them.

While acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government, CAN insisted that temporary responses are no longer sufficient, calling for sustained and effective strategies to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

The association further noted that Nigerians are weary of recurring violence and routine condemnations, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

CAN also advised Christians across the country to remain prayerful but vigilant during the Holy Week, especially as they participate in religious activities such as Good Friday observances and Easter vigils.

The statement emphasised that while faith remains strong, it must be complemented with wisdom and caution in the face of rising insecurity.

“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward,” CAN declared, adding that the country owes the victims justice, the living protection, and future generations a safer society.

By Samson Adeyanju

Pope Leo XIV has declared that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war, as Christians across the world marked Palm Sunday with renewed calls for peace and reflection.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican before thousands of worshippers, the Pope delivered a strong message against violence, insisting that Jesus Christ, the “King of Peace,” cannot be used to justify war under any circumstance.

He warned that God does not listen to those whose actions are marked by bloodshed, in remarks widely seen as a reaction to the ongoing Iran war.

The pontiff, who has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, described military airstrikes as indiscriminate and urged global leaders to embrace dialogue over conflict.

Similarly, in Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama called on Christians to embrace sacrifice and hope, stressing that true victory comes through suffering.

Delivering his Palm Sunday homily at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Kaigama explained that while Palm Sunday celebrates Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, it also ushers in His passion and suffering.

He noted that the waving of palms symbolizes victory, peace and unity, while Christ’s humble entry on a donkey reflects a kingdom built not on violence or domination, but on peace and service.

The Archbishop warned that human loyalty can be fleeting, recalling how cries of “Hosanna” quickly turned to “crucify him.”

Kaigama also urged political leaders to govern with fairness and empathy, stressing that power should be used for service rather than oppression. He called for credible elections, justice, and equitable distribution of resources, warning against actions that could undermine public trust.

In the same vein, the Christian Association of Nigeria, in a statement signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, urged Nigerian leaders to show empathy and take deliberate steps to ease the burden on citizens amid rising economic hardship.

The association linked current economic challenges to global tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, noting that rising fuel, transport and food costs are already impacting Nigerians. It emphasized that leadership must inspire confidence through calm, responsible actions that promote stability and unity.

CAN further encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, urging citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of one another during the Holy Week.

Across both global and local messages, a common theme emerged: a call for peace, humility, and responsible leadership. As Christians begin the Holy Week journey, religious leaders insist that faith must inspire unity and compassion in a world increasingly marked by conflict and uncertainty.